City of Shadows Mux City of Shadows Mux

Meeting Mr. Hubert
Players Razi, Fiametta, Bedlam as ST	Southern Chicago 7 September, 2022 Razi and Fiametta go to speak with the Lost of the Southern Freehold.
Information on the Southern Freehold has been, so far, fairly sparse and thin on the ground. Though they've certainly dominated the focus of the leadership of the Chrysanthemum Court for some time now, the fact of the matter is, the Southern Freehold are Changelings as well, and are quite adept at hiding. However, it was inevitable that someone would figure out their hiding spots and share the information with others. So, though it is still a relatively well-guarded secret, at least two Changelings of the Chrysanthemum Court know where to look when searching for their brethren... In a city as large as Chicago, there were always new construction projects dotted around the various districts and neighborhoods. Something always needed fixing, tearing down, or building up. Theoretically, these were temporary projects as workers actually eventually /built/ whatever it was they were constructing. In practice though, not every site is equal. Whether through bureaucratic ineptitude or intentional mismanagement and corruption, some sites stayed open almost permanently, with work starting and stopping and projects going up and down as funds, employees, and blueprints were switched out regularly. It was one such site, ostensibly the future home of some sort of government-funded childcare program, that the Southern Freehold had setup. Deals had been made, workers paid off, and red tape bypassed with the magic of the Wyrd in order to put the project in the hands of one particular construction company owned and operated by Burt, a known Lost and Beast and member of this new-found Court. There's certainly a fair bit of noise and activity behind the covered wire-link fences that surround the site during the day, but even in the waning ours of the evening, a much reduced crew (most of whom are Lost themselves) still moves about and idles, doing their best to look mildly busy while keeping a close eye on the entrance. It's a big decision, deciding what to wear to such an excursion. After much consideration about who he might encounter and how he wished to present himself, Razi eventually landed upon one of his business suits for this particular venture. It lends him a crisply professional look, and for his fellow Lost, the hints of parchment to his skin, and the small glimpses of words etched into his skin, almost seem complemented by the outfit. He is, most overtly, a Domovoi. With Ji-Ho having been able to offer that intelligence of his own, Razi and Fiametta don't have to work too hard to find this potential entry into a conversation. He considers the entrance to the construction site -- possibly contemplating his lack of hard hat -- and glances briefly to Fiametta a moment before stepping forward. There's no attempt to hide himself or his approach. There's no /literal/ white flag on his person, but there is maybe a sense of it. He comes in peace, all of that. "Hello," he says, his voice mild and even. "We're hoping to speak with a few people." There's been a bit of outfit coordination, clearly, though not in the matchy-matchy sense. They're not intending to hide, after all. If Razi is all business and tailored, the autumn colors that are creeping into late summer complement the fiery-haired bright one that accompany him. She wears a gauzy drawstring waist short dress, the loose bohemian look something that isn't out of place in the touristy areas, and the rich cinnamon, olive, and gold colors only seem to heighten the fall of her flaming hair and the golden glow that envelopes her. She's not a tall creature, but the laceup boots give her several more inches, and what might look to be a wicked kick. Not that she could hide the effervescence that flickers around her, in her curiousity and inborn nature. But she's no shrinking violet, and her instincts aren't always tempered by human nature. So while Razi steps forward mildly and politely, she moves with him but hangs back just a little, unafraid to examine those around them with a lingering look, and then casting her stormy blue eyes around their surroundings. A little cautious, perhaps, but mostly just keen. She doesn't, however, speak. Yet. Instead she gives a flash of a grin, just a little hint of teeth. Work doesn't /stop/, necessarily. There's still a distant whine of power tools grinding against wood and steel somewhere on the far end of the site on the other side of the half-erected skeleton of a building that sits in the center of the dirt lot. However, all around Razi and Fiametta the sound dulls as hammers cease, conversation quiets, and one stork Beast halts in his tracks along with the wheelbarrow of broken and unusable brick he'd been moving. It's a noticeable reduction in activity and hub-bub as all attention focuses on the Chrysanthemum Freeholders... "Alright, get back to work." Despite the elevated volume of the shout, it rings out calm and stoic in the placid sort of voice one might associate with a still and peaceful lake. Despite his short stature and rounded, barrel-shaped figure, one Beast -- presumably the foreman -- stands out from the rest of the group as he waves the others back to their business. They need no further encouragement apart from his word, and in moments the dull, intermittent roar of dwindling construction returns as the man comes walking up to Razi and Fiametta. His Wyrd most be somewhat potent indeed, for there is no hint or suggestion of what creature he was spent his Durance as... He is, very simply, a Beaver. Anthropomorphized and human-sized, but undeniably, unequivocally a beaver. "Razi, wasn't it?" he asks as he approaches, looking him over once before his gaze shifts to Fiametta with the sort of stoic, unflappable air of a veteran foreman looking at two potential work interruptions. The smile that touches Razi's lips is subtle. Enough to be polite, even friendly, but not an attempt to be overly ingratiating. He inclines his head in confirmation, and then extends his hand in clear offer of a clasp. "Burt, yes? This is Fiametta. Family. We came out together." It's the sort of phrase that would sound a touch confusing to a normal human, but he's clearly assuming his meaning will be clear. "I was hoping you might have time to talk." Fiametta isn't unnerved by the attention; she might well be used to it by now for other reasons. She doesn't try to deflect or ham it up, just absorbs it, and unapologetically reflects it right back. As Burt the Beaver approaches, her gaze slides back to him with interest. Her own expression is solemn too. Not that he isn't cute and a furry anything is quite luxurious, but she doesn't treat him like an object, even in her looking him over. "Hi," she says. Her voice is soft-spoken, barely above a whisper, though not at all shy by her expression. But then she waits, listening without interruption. She does continue to slowly look about the site though, never quite letting her guard down. Burt takes Razi's hand in a grip like a vice, with the unmeasured firmness of a laborer used to dealing with laborer hand shakes. For Fiametta he only dips a nod, respectful while sparing her his dirty hands with that old-fashioned mindset common to some of the older Lost. However, since it's Razi proposing the conversation, it's Razi who draws Burt's full attention as he fixes the other man with a calm expression that seems perpetually adjacent to annoyance. "I remember you being a practical sort. Logical. Reliable." He grunts as he looks Razi over, nodding once before he affixes his gaze back up on the other Lost's face. "Can't imagine that's changed." He has, apparently, passed some sort of scrutiny or test of Burt's, and the Beaver's expression relaxes faintly as a result. "What did you want to talk about?" Razi's grip is not so vice-like, but he doesn't flinch away. He'll /endure/. And smiles faintly once more, the expression touched with a hint of wryness. "I try," he says. The question has him pausing, and he looks aside to Fiametta for a moment. For guidance? For reassurance? For input? Maybe just her presence is a measure of all of the above. He looks back to Burt and opts for candor: "I want to talk about why exactly your new Freehold exists, Burt. Because, frankly, a lot of the implications -- and the rumors going around -- are pretty terrifying." He pauses a moment, considering something else, before he adds, "I'm not here in any sort of official capacity. I'm here because I'm concerned." The fiery-haired woman's attention shifts back to Burt, her head bowing respectful in echo to his. She stands a little taller when Razi side-eyes her, though the solemnity in her exprssion doesnt shift. Instead, she nods at his words, and then adds her own. "We know there's always things that shouldn't be said to outsiders," she says softly. "But if there's something that can be. Some people're gonna make up their own sh--stuff sometimes, and we know that too. But I'd rather know too." She touches Razi's elbow, as if to mute the gathering glow about her. "Something don't seem quite right lately. Better to ask, before assuming. You know?" Burt doesn't look surprised at the chosen topic. In fact, his expression doesn't really change at all, and it's clear he had been anticipating their reason for being there. For a moment, he considers them in silence, eyes flicking back and forth between them before he finally speaks: "Far as I'm concerned, it exists because Hubert said it was necessary." His voice is solid and unflinching, full of deep resolve and a sense of unshakeable trust in Hubert and his guidance. He speaks like one speaking immutable fact, without a hint of doubt or lingering concern. "He's better at explaining it than I am." He sniffs, clearing his throat as he turns on the spot and begins walking towards an on-site, pop-up office building in the corner of the lot. "Come on," he mutters over his shoulder, "I'll take you to him." Razi is silent and patient as Burt considers the both of them, waiting in unhurried fashion for him to decide upon his response. The first reply draws forth a closer study from Razi as he considers the depth of that trust communicated in Burt's words and manner. And when Burt decides on the spot to offer them an introduction, Razi doesn't have time to so much and nod before Burt's already turned away. So he just follows, his gaze slipping briefly to Fiametta on their way, sharing that moment of reaction with her. Did he expect to be able to speak to Hubert straight away? It's hard to say. But he doesn't seem displeased at the opportunity. The redheaded beauty isn't displeased by the agreement to a meeting, either. But it's hard to take the street suspicion out of her. And so, although her steps will take her with Razi and Burt, she's still looking around, carefully. Fi doesn't hide this from any observers that might take note, either. Sometimes it's good to let any watchers know you're watching out! But she's also content to accept Burt's assessment, and perhaps the implications for his respect and trust for Hubert as well. Though work has resumed at Burt's orders, the workers about the lot are not unaware of the proceedings. In particular, a group of three lost -- two Ogres and a Lion Beast -- seem to have nothing better to do than pretend to be talking about something concerning the construction while keeping an eye on Fiametta and Razi. They, much like the flame-haired Lost, aren't particularly concerned about being observed in their observations, though a look from Burt does motivate them to be a bit more invested in pretending to work. Ultimately however, no one accosts them. No one leaps out from behind a crane, no group of burly construction workers slowly surround them, no one makes any move to physically harass them. Burt's presence is like an all-access pass, and those who weren't privy to their arrival generally ignore them with a tacit acceptance inspired by the Beaver Foreman's apparent trust in the newcomers. Eventually the trio arrives at the white, single-floor building that serves as an air-conditioned reprieve from the outside air. A structure designed to give more administrative-facing staff a place to work at desks and on phones. A place that -- when Burt opens the door to admit them entry -- is very clearly the nerve center of the Southern Freehold's leadership support staff. Various Lost -- many of them Beasts and Wizened -- move about the area, filing paperwork and talking on phones. They number roughly a dozen, but there are enough actively engaged in various tasks that it's clear the Court is working hard at something. In the very center of the activity stands a tree -- or rather, perhaps an ent would be a better descriptor. Hubert doesn't look like something out of Tolkien's stories necessarily -- he's not nearly tall enough or truly tree-like -- but his flesh is bark, his hair is made up of leaves, and his beard is actual moss growing from his chin. He looks very much like someone sculpted an old man from a living tree and somehow did it in a way that the tree survived and continued to appear fertile and fresh. When he spots Burt, Razi, and Fiametta, he turns towards them and smiles a crooked smile, like a grandfather whose caught his favorite grandchildren with their hands in the cookie jar and is very likely to help them get away with the theft. "Razi," he greets, "Fiametta. I'm very glad you could make it." The observant workers outside are clearly noted, but Razi is not especially concerned; if they /are/ about to get physically jumped, they're already in trouble. It's the clear /busyness/ of matters inside the administrative building that catches his attention, his gaze slipping aside to track some of them going about the work of phones and filing with subtle interest and curiosity. But it is Hubert, naturally, who draws his final attention as Burt leads them to approach. The smile he offers in turn is a subtle one, but in the way that reserve is most often his nature. "Hubert," he greets in turn, dipping his chin and then, after a beat, extending his hand. If one can shake hands with a tree. "Thank you for seeing us. I wasn't sure if we'd get this far, to be honest. It seems like everyone's feeling rather -- defensive -- of late."And there, for a moment, is a touch of drier humor whispered across his words. Once they step into the office, while the noise and clatter of office work is distracting--as is the blast of cold air--Fiametta's attention is immediately stolen by the other Elemental. Stormy blue eyes widen, almost childlike in her delight. Though she's careful to keep her distance--trees and fire aren't always the best of buddies--she has to curl her slender fingers into the loose fabric of her dress lest she reach out to try to touch the bark-skin, or the leaves that rustle so where his hair should be, or what she is sure is the softest of moss on his chin. For one so tactile, the resistance takes a lot of effort, the little corona of light and flame about her flickering even brighter, sending little solar flares to spin into nothingness in the otherwise cool air. For a few minutes, she even leaves Razi's side, so she can make a circle around Hubert, including Burt in that revolution. It doesn't really occur to her that maybe Beavers and Trees might not always get along either--until they do! She even draws in a quiet breath, as if to catch his scent. Hopefully there's no humans in here to see this strange behavior, but she doesn't even think to supress it. Even the ogres and lion that are outside are forgotten for the moment, as her footsteps once more bring her to Razi's side. She touches his elbow again, as if to ground herself more in the serious here and now--at least after he's done handshaking. "Hello," she says quietly, not even trying to not keep staring at him with wide blue eyes. Hubert grins, his bark-covered face straining with all the weighty creaking of a tree swaying in the wind as he reaches out to take Razi's offered hand. Unlike Burt's, his is solid and firm -- more than an old man might normally display -- but lacks the overwhelming strength of the laborer's. "Defensive? Bah." He actually says 'bah.' Like actually says it, and not ironically either. "Is that what you call openly floating the idea of war with your family?" Hubert's gaze is sharp when he looks at the Wizened, as if daring him to ask how he knows what was discussed at the previous Chrysanthemum Court. "Defensive indeed..." Burt watches Fiametta as she circles around them, his eyes narrowing with slight confusion, though otherwise the Beaver looks completely at ease. Hubert himself seems to disregard it until he finally snaps: "Stop that pacing, would you? It's distracting." Despite his slightly curt tone, it comes with the warm undercurrent of grandfatherly care that dulls the edge to something almost pleasant. Crotchety just seems to be his default state. "Now," he sighs as he fixes those penetrating amber eyes back on Razi, staring at him with a depth of scrutiny that makes him look like he's peering straight through the other Lost and into his soul. "You weren't sure, but you hoped. So ask me what I already know you want to ask. I'll answer truthfully, and you can confirm it if you like." Razi's gaze shifts to track Fiametta briefly in her circle, but his attention shifts swiftly back to Hubert when he speaks of certain conversations that happened at the recent Court meeting. He does not, however, seem particularly surprised. What he /does/ seem surprised about is Hubert's offer for him to confirm the truthfulness of his words, although 'surprise' in this case is a slight upward twitch of his brows. "Thank you," he says. There is nothing so overt or obvious about him when he calls upon the contract that will allow him to do just as Hubert seems to expect of him, but in the work of a moment, he seems satisfied enough to continue. "Why create a new Freehold?" he asks, beginning with this simple but foundational query. <spend> Razi spends 1 (-1 points) of his Glamour pool, for Activating Sight of Truth and Lies. "Sorry." The soft word is spoken once more respectfully, but it sounds more apologetic for the offense than regret for having gotten a closer and 360 degree look. But Fi is content to stay by Razi now, though her brow furrows just a little when things are laid plainly once more. It's not directed at Hubert, really, so much as she's not guarding what emotions and moods ebb and flow across her face. But then she falls silent and very curious, drawing in another soft breath as they await the answer. <regain> Razi regains 1 point of his Goblin_debt pool, for Sight of Truth and Lies. Hubert's mossy eyebrow raises at Fiametta as he looks to the woman of fire, considering her apology with a muted amusement before he returns his attention to Razi. "When we learned that there was a traitor in the ranks of the Chrysanthemum Freehold, we thought it would be the best way to keep our people safe," he replies, an element of solemn importance entering into his wispy tone and leveling out the lingering good-natured snappishness into a steady and solid answer. "More recent developments have somewhat validated that instinct," he then adds as he glances away, an element of a snide lilt suggesting an unspoken 'I told you so' to someone not necessarily present. Razi is quiet and attentive through the length of Hubert's answer; it is not as if he needs to be, not as if the magic is a whisper he needs quiet to hear, but there is a sense of him taking a moment to absorb the words as he inhales a deep breath. Hearing Hubert say it so directly is...something. It certainly answers one of the questions that went around at Court. And then, of course, comes the inevitable next question: "Why do you believe there to be a traitor?" Fiametta's luminous eyes flare just a bit, fiery embers in them rising, as the traitor is mentioned. Her gaze shimmers, though it's not from tears or sadness. The energy around her grows more restless, as hard as she's trying to not fidget. But she doesn't wish to distract from the conversation, so her fingertips reach out to trace the edge of a nearby desk, slowly. She looks to Razi at his next question, and then back to Hubert. That question is met with silence for a time as Hubert tucks his bearded chin in towards his chest and ruminates on the answer. Burt watches the exchange still, but there's an almost antsy energy to him that suggests a dislike of remaining idle for so long. After a time, he actually pulls out a block of wood -- or what was once a block of wood, but has since been carved into an incomplete and roughly humanoid shape -- and a whittling knife, and starts to busy himself with the project. "Because," Hubert finally speaks, lifting his head to set his amber eyes back on Razi, "Of the evidence. It was in the way they attacked us -- it's not impossible that we were tracked and besieged -- what stands out is the ease and speed of the attack... Like someone invited them in." He pauses to let the Wizened weigh his words for the truth of them, then continues: "There was also Barnabas' testimony. The man is quite clearly addled, but I've known him for a very long time. Despite what was done to him, he's a quicker wit than he appears. He'd not be so easily duped." He pauses again, though this time he seems almost regretful for what he's about to say, yet despite the solemnity of the words, he does not shy away from them. "Then finally, when we sent Barnabas to spread the rumor of the traitor, we found the reaction of the leadership to be damning." That he lets hang before them, knowing full well he's just admitted to spreading a rumor of a traitor to the Chrysanthemum Freehold and potentially causing a panic on a suspicion, just to gauge the response of the leaders. Yet his gaze remains resolute and sure, not once flinching with a hint of doubt for the veracity of their actions. That particular truth -- for whatever else, Razi can sense the truth of Hubert's belief, or at least the lack of deception -- takes a moment for Razi to sit with and absorb. Fiametta can likely see more of the subtle tension in his frame, as familiar with him as she is, but it's more difficult for an outsider to place. There is no mistaking his sobriety, however. "I was there," he finally says. "When Barnabas arrived. He seemed mad, Hubert." He is quiet a moment, studying the seemingly ancient arbor of Hubert's visage, and then he asks, quieter, "Who do you think it is?" Fiametta draws closer to Razi, perhaps protectively, though she doesn't interrupt the discussion with a touch. Surely he can feel the heat that radiates off her though, in addition to the very familiar glow. She, of course, was not present at that court meeting, nor at the time of the attack. But knowing of it still sends a little tremor down her spine and into her limbs, at least at the thought of it happening again. Knowing that it might, with all these ragged holes. Hubert releases a breath in a heavy sigh as Barnabas' mental state is mentioned, his gaze dropping and a deep sadness coming over him. "That's because he most decidedly /is/ mad. Being recaptured... I don't think he expected to escape again. He gave up, and bargained away something he never would have otherwise, just to know what happened. /Why/ it had happened." He speaks with authority, despite it not being possible for him to know the truth of why Barnabas did what he did. Yet there's a certain weight of wisdom and knowledge in his words, that suggest this is more than idle speculation and an assessment that comes from a very, very, /very/ long lifetime of measuring the worth and motivations of people. "If you get a chance, you should speak to him at length. Though he has lost much of what he once was, he holds on to enough that I believe him to be reliable." He pauses as a light of almost dark humor slides across his expression and he chuckles. "Honestly, I think he sees the world in a way that most of us can't, now. I would never trust him to lead, but I would heed his advice well." But then Razi's asking a very serious question -- even by the standards of the others. Even Burt pauses in his idle artistry to listen, as do a number of the nearer clerks who have very clearly been eavesdropping. "I don't know," Hubert replies after a lengthy consideration. "I have suspicions, but I worry that voicing them might color the perceptions of others. I'd rather not accuse an innocent without solid evidence." Fiametta's presence next to him is like an anchor. The eye of a very subtle, very political, very /dangerous/ storm. Somehow, Razi cannot be surprised at Hubert's response; he seems to know, to understand, how different matters would be if there was one clear answer to that most important question. Finally, his gaze draws away from Hubert, traveling along the new community he's built here. The new start he's made. And then, quietly, he says, "What do you intend to do, then? If there is a traitor in our ranks, then breaking away does nothing to find them; it only offers an illusion of greater safety to a select few." And he looks back to Hubert now. "If there is a traitor in our ranks, you've placed a target on your backs, doing what you've done. Why?" For /that/ question, Hubert grins as a grim humor returns. "Yes and no. By splitting, we make it more difficult for the traitor to reveal us to Them. They don't know enough about us, and now that there are rumors of their existence, another attack would be undeniable confirmation to many." That grin stretches wide, once more accompanied by the wooden creaking of an ancient tree as he shifts a little in place. "However, you're right that it has led to this situation we're in now -- on the brink of war, to hear Real speak." He winks at Razi and Fiametta both as he leans in and concludes: "Personally, though. I like my chances resolving this without bloodshed better when dealing with the people of the Freehold rather than the Gentry." He then straightens and lets out another sigh as he continues the first part of his question, his hands spreading to reveal that the index finger on his left hand has a bit of a leaf and twig growing from the bark-covered pad. "I intend to do so. I want to work with people like you and Fiametta to figure out who this traitor is so we can bring them to justice. Then... I want to rejoin our Freeholds and continue as we always should have been." Razi cants his head slightly, and there is some acknowledgment of the wisdom of Hubert's strategy, even if Razi may not have chosen the same one himself. He studies him a long moment, and if Razi has far fewer years of experience that Hubert, and notably less power, there is a certain implacability he nevertheless possesses. Finally, he says, "Be careful. I came to you openly and unofficially, but you are courting less friendly responses." He doesn't seem to doubt Hubert taking matters seriously, though. He looks to Fiametta, and there's a clear opening in his expression, there. An invitation, if there is anything she would still wish to know of him." "So you're not trying just to protect people from the traitor in the moment," Fi says softly. "But...trying to lure them out? I guess that makes investigating a little easier. Maybe." The fire elemental bites her lower lip gently, a little dubiously. Though truth be told, she doesn't look like the investigating type. She is very solemnly examining Hubert though, especially at the twig-and-leaf hand. "We've got to find them though. One way or the other." Stormy blue eyes rest on Hubert's for a moment, as if she were going to ask a question of great import. But Fiametta being Fiametta, what comes out is something she can't help. "Mister Hubert," she asks softly. "Do you ever have /flowers/? Or is that only when you're, like only in the spring?" It's a strangely innocent question. But then her mood shifts again, and she nods to Razi's last sentiment. "I know you'll take good care of each other," she says, with confidence. "But we've gotta keep each other safe as we can. Until we can hunt down the asshole that's bringing the hunt down on us." If Razi's previous question brought on a dark amusement, Fiametta's current one sets the old tree-man to laughing. It's the rumbling, cracking laugh of splintering wood, made a bit wheezy with age before he settles shining amber eyes on Fiametta. "Only in the spring," he confirms with a few bobbing nods as he turns a doting smile on the fire elemental, "It's even possible to pick them. Maybe I'll give you one if I survive to see the next one." With that he gives her a quick wink before turning his gaze to Burt. "My friend, I believe it's time you saw our visitors out. Too much longer, and Rook's spies might start speculating as to which pit we're burying their bodies in." Burt nods with a stoic noise of assent as he quickly returns his carving to his pocket and turns to fix Razi and Fiametta with a look that just says: 'come with me' before turning and trudging back towards the exit. "Be safe, and be vigilant," Hubert tells them both, one hand lifting in a parting wave before he turns towards one of the clerks and starts giving them an edgeless tongue-lashing for being lazy and eavesdropping too obviously. The megawatt smile that Fi turns on Hubert is surely almost, if not quite, as energetic as the kiss of the sun. Clearly, she's taking that maybe as a probably yes. Which also means possibly the elder elemental is on her People to Protect list now. There's even just a little extra bounce to her step, when she and Razi are stoicly shown out by Burt. She does turn at the door to give him a little fingerwaggle wave in return, before following Burt and Razi out. It's a little overwhelming, even if there's little in the way of true suprises--perhaps for them both. And so Razi will feel a slight tug on his arm before Fiametta loops her arm through his, seeking quiet comfort in that contact as they make their way home. For all his steady stoicism, there is something a bit exhausting about coming out the other end of that particular conversation. And so Razi is quite ready to lend Fiametta his arm and have the reassuring presence of her at his side on the way home. There's a lot to talk about once they're ready, after all.